Written by Carter. I have been reviewing Michelle D. Craig’s General Conference talk this week. I am grateful to know the truth from God—that I am His son and that I have a divine nature and eternal destiny. As you ask Him sincerely, He can also help you to know those same truths for yourself.  

We watched the Pacific Area Youth Devotional, broadcast from the area office in Auckland. Bonnie H. Cordon and Steven J. Lund participated virtually from Salt Lake City. It was very inspirational. I’m impressed with the musical abilities of so many of the Polynesian youth! During the devotional, I was reminded of a commitment I had made mentally to myself, but am now putting in writing: I will always have a current temple recommend until the day I die.

As I mentioned last week, we attended the Mission Leadership Seminar in Taupo Monday-Thursday. It was a blessing to be a “fly on the wall” as these leaders were taught, and to feel guided as I contributed briefly on a few medical topics. Here are some highlights for me:

1. Returned missionaries: Find your replacement with you return home…and have it be someone who was not already planning to serve a mission.
2. The best invitations are tailored for the person…I thought of my suits that were tailored in Lima and of my racing bike, which was custom-built for my needs.
3. The temple is the reason for becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. Generic “goodness” alone is not enough. We also need ordinances and covenants to return to the presence of God.
4. One morning, we visited nearby Huka Falls, which was a very impressive example of the potential power of water that is unleashed as it rushes downhill. Specifically, it can be used to generate electricity, grind wheat, etc. One of the mission presidents compared the water in the calmer portion of the river to the of authority of the priesthood. When that water is channeled through the falls, it can be compared to the power of the priesthood, where God can use us to bless others as we strive to keep His commandments and look for opportunities to serve in His name. 
5. One of the area presidency taught, “What is the simplest thing I did (when I served as mission president) that gave me the largest return? Building relationships with the young missionaries by teaching them doctrine of Christ.” I think that can also apply in families and in relationships with others we encounter in our lives.
6. One of the mission presidents encourages missionaries who are being disobedient with this thought: “I cannot change you; I can only love you as you change.”
7. Another thought-provoking question from a member of the area presidency: “If all that my children knew of the gospel came from me — as their only source — how much would they know?” He then referred to 3 Nephi 7:18, emphasizing that it is possible to have so great faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that our children and grandchildren cannot disbelieve our words. Of course, they still have their agency and can choose to act in accordance with their beliefs — or not.
8. Being in the South Pacific, most of the young missionaries are Polynesians. Part of the training was on how to understand and love them as they serve…since their culture and upbringing is different than for most Pakeha (the Maori word for those primarily of European descent).
9. One of the area presidency said, “Missionaries serving during the COVID-19 pandemic are the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies of this century!”

I testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration of Christ’s New Testament church — and act in faith — will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.